Our goal is to encourage residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to have a sense of personal pride in our coastal and marine environments. One way in which this is accomplished is through periodic beach cleanup events in which IMMS staff and volunteers invite local residents and businesses to team-up with them to remove trash and debris from local beaches. Be sure to check the Event Schedule for our next community beach cleanup!

Mississippi Coastal Cleanup

The Mississippi Coastal Cleanup is held annually each fall as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, and is sponsored by the Mississippi Marine Debris Task Force. IMMS, as well as many other organizations and volunteers, participate in the effort to remove marine debris from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and barrier islands. The purpose of this event is not only to clean up our beaches but also to educate the public about the impact that marine debris has on wildlife.

Community Outreach Events

IMMS participates in annual community events that promote marine conservation awareness. An example of one of these events is “Celebrate the Gulf,” a marine education festival sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. This festival attracts residents of all ages throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast, who come to learn about different organizations and programs in the local area that support marine conservation and education of the general public about marine environmental issues.